Wash And Be Clean

3/30/17

~And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean”?” II Kings 5:13

Dear Congregation,

        I know I have referenced this account often but as I came across it in my reading again recently, I cannot help but be struck by the perpetual relevance of it for the individual and for the church.

Here is Naaman, commander of the army of Syria. Naaman is a pagan and an outsider when it comes to knowing the truth of God. However, Naaman is a leper and has a desperate need. We can imagine that at this point He has probably tried everything that has been available to him to cure his disease. All effort and trial to no avail. He is now desperate enough to seek the spiritual. His own fictional gods cannot help him, but he has heard about the great and mighty power of the God of Israel. Perhaps there is something to the stories and testimonies of divine grace. Eventually word reaches the prophet Elishah that Naaman is seeking to be healed. The cure is to dunk in the dirty muddy unimpressive river Jordan seven times. Naaman scoffs. He is too good for something so simple. There are better rivers at home, why should he subject himself to such folly? Yet the verse written above convicts him, he obeys, and is healed by the grace and power of God.

            Naaman reflects the attitude of all humanity through all ages and contexts. Men and women perform great acts and great feats of strength to try to find God or achieve forgiveness. When confronted with the simple Gospel of repentance and faith through grace, many are turned away by its simplicity and lack of merit. Yet it is that foolishness, that simplicity, that total dependence on God that alone has the power to make one right with Him. As leprosy was symbolic of sin and the dirty water of the Jordan healed it, so the blood of Christ heals our sin. This is something that makes no earthly sense, yet is true by divine power and action. Praise God for the given faith in simple dependence on His power through an offensive act.

            The Church as a whole could learn from this too when it considers ministry and outreach. If the prophet had told Naaman something great would he not have done it? So it is that the church is always looking for some great big show of force or service. Many such things are never prescribed or counseled in the Word of God. We scoff at the appearance of inaction in worship, preaching, prayer, singing, personal witness. Yet these are the means of grace God has given, wash and be clean. Let us find joy in God’s simplicity and in humble and total rest on His power to work and provide for the church and those who are truly seeking him. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. II Corinthians 1:18

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Encouragement in The Lord

3/23/17

“Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6

Dear Congregation,

            The above verse describes the situation after which the Amalekites destroy Ziklag and take all the women captive including David’s wives. We can imagine that the situation is by nature a hard blow to David and that he feels somewhat responsible for not being able to do more to help in the situation. However, the situation is made even more oppressive in that the population also blames David and wants to stone him. Here we see a circumstance that demonstrates why David was a man after God’s own heart. Much is said of David’s weakness and sin but this highlights his God given strength and devotion.

            Many who are faced with difficulty from within and from without, retreat from it. When circumstances are outside our control, the temptation is to block out reality in some way either by distraction, or substance, or escape. Inward blame or outward blame handicap us to real help and growth. Some become severely depressed, some cannot live with the pressures put upon them. The Christian who is rooted in genuine faith and in knowledge of the Word of God knows that there is a power that is above and beyond all difficulty. Though all the world be against him or her, there remains the fact that God will never leave or forsake. David strengthened himself in the Lord His God. That was the cure, that was the safety, and that was the absolute sure way to cope. Our problems are small when compared to the power and greatness of God. David seeks the means of Grace and worships. He prays, he remembers God’s words, and he communes with his heavenly father. How many of our difficulties and stresses would be so much lighter if we let go of our ownership of them and gave them over to God.

            In like manner the people of Ziklag show us another side of grief to avoid. They are looking to blame someone for the catastrophe and their blame falls upon David. The Amalekites have gone and cannot be punished. Someone should pay, why not David? Such is the habit of people who do not bring their grief to the Lord. God gave, God took away, blessed be His name. Who have we to blame? Who else can provide any answer or comfort but the controller of all circumstances? We hate to be reminded that life is not about us and rather than strengthening ourselves in God we turn to bitterness and vengeance where that accomplishes nothing.

            May we always be like David in this circumstance, may we turn to the Lord and strengthen ourselves in him through worship, prayer, and Scripture. David does this when faced with the death of his son as well. Despite his faults, his ultimate priorities were often in the right place. We are not our own and we are here to glorify God and enjoy Him. Rather than retreat, mope, rage, or fear may we turn to our best friend and only advocate and strengthen ourselves in Him. His ways our not our ways, but we know that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

     

Not One Good Thing Failed

3/16/17

“Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you, not one word of them has failed.” Joshua 23:14

Dear Congregation,

       As part of Joshua’s final message to Israel before His death, he reminds God’s people of the faithfulness of their covenantal Lord. They can look back upon the years since they came out of Egypt and see numerous instances where they messed up and where their sin caused havoc in the camp. However, they cannot say that God was not faithful or that God was not just, or that he ever went back on His promises. Joshua can say with confidence that not one thing has failed of all the good things God said. And yet the context shows a warning that the people will forget God’s goodness and turn to things that will cause more pain. We marvel at such an obstinate people with such a short term memory and yet this pattern has largely remained true with the Church through the ages.

            God is the source of all good. All blessing flows from God alone. Why do we seek it or settle for it in imitation from other sources? There are so many differing reasons and many are unique to the individual. One reason no doubt is perspective. Everything we are accustomed to naturally is material and physical. While we all know none of this lasts and we all know that our lives are very short in God’s sight, and we all know that what God has for us materially and spiritually is far greater than what earth can provide. We are always faced with the temporary comfort of the now. Israel faced this too. It did not matter that they ate yesterday and were going to eat tomorrow, what about now? A person can remember answered prayer in the past and praise God but if answered prayer is not given now we start to get anxious and leave God’s direction. We look for other sources of good which prove phony and we learn that the hard way as Israel did and would.

            I charge you to remember God’s promise and faithfulness. To remember who He is, what He has given you in Christ, and what you have yet to receive in Christ. Do not be distracted by the temporary allure of the immediate idolatrous now. Remember the Lord whose word has not failed, whose salvation has not failed, whose blessing has not failed and whose goodness can never and will never fail. Remember that all the promises of God in Christ are yes and amen. You may not feel them now but that is not lack of anything on God’s behalf. His blessing is eternal. Praise God from whom all blessing and goodness flows!

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Because The Lord Loved You

3/10/17

“The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you….” Deuteronomy 7:7-8(a)

Dear Congregation,

       This is such a beautiful reminder of the grace of God. There is nothing that we have in ourselves that makes us God’s people. He loved us, we do not know why, and therefore he chose us. When you struggle to feel loved, accepted, or known, remember this verse and remember God’s free grace. Our Lord is one who glorifies Himself in the simple things, the small groups, and the weak and humble people. God loved us and gave himself for us and to us.

Another aspect of this that is brought out to me is how God looks at and views those who are in Him and are saved. He does not see our sin anymore and he does not identify us with our faults and problems. Think of the Biblical examples of how God sees His own weak people in the long run. The Lord did not cast off Peter for his denial but shows him mercy and restoration. James 5:11 tells us to remember the patience of Job. There are plenty of negative things that could be remembered about Job, but God directs us to his given grace. In Hebrews 11 Rahab is remembered for her faith, not her vocation or her lie to the soldiers. In I Peter 3:6, Sarah is remembered for her faithfulness to Abraham, not her scoffing at God. Hebrews 11 as a whole marks and remembers flawed people for Grace and faith given, not their sins. Take comfort in your status before God as justified. Do not cower in fear about the judgment seat of Christ. Your account will be for how you used what God gave you not for your sins. Despite your weakness, sin, insecurity, and mistakes, God has redeemed you and made you his own. Where sin abounded, Grace did much more abound! This is true for me, for you, for Grace Community Church, and for all who are safe in Christ Jesus. Praise His name!

In Christ,

Pastor Basile 

The Shout of a King

3/2/17

“He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.” Numbers 23:21

Dear Congregation,

       If you remember the context of the above verse, the false prophet Balaam cannot curse the people of God, he blesses them despite himself. Let’s remember that God’s wrath can never be poured out on a believer. All of God’s wrath was taken and dealt with by Christ on the cross for all who have their faith in Him. There is no evil, nor sin, nor curse that can have eternal effect on your soul. This comes as great solace when faced with fear or guilt. It is finished, and we cannot fear what man will do to us. Be encouraged by this truth!

            In addition just as the shout of a king was among God’s people in the book of Numbers, that same divine presence is with us today. It is true that we are never alone. It is true that we are the temple of the living God. It is true that even through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. We must remember this when we gather together for prayer and certainly when we gather together for worship. The shout of a king is among us! That presence is the power that is effective in sanctifying us and building us up. That presence is the power that is effective in attracting and reaching the lost. Do not be discouraged by the appearance of a smaller church. Do not think that a more entertaining service will be a more missional service. We are called to trust and obey, to love what the Lord has told us and given us. We are to let our light shine among people in simplicity and truth. God tells us to go, teach, and make disciples. Relationships are how the Gospel spreads. God will give the increase. I love Grace Community Church for what it is, as God loves us unconditionally just as we are. There is nothing in ourselves that can make us great. There is nothing we can do that can make us great. We are great because the shout of a king is among us. We are great because we have the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. Let us love, honor, obey, and glorify Him in humble gratitude for what He has given us and in submission to what He has told us.

In Christ,

Pastor Basile

Blood

2/23/17

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood,…” Leviticus 17:11

Dear Congregation,

       The above verse is one of if not the most remembered of all that is in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus is one of if not the most skipped book of all the Bible. Yet even here amongst the appearance of tedious ceremonial and judicial laws, God presents His Gospel and His moral character. It may not be plain and straightforward, but it is there. The discerning and attentive reader will find wonderful truth and application even among the instruction to the Jewish Church.

            The context here is familiar. The Lord God instructs concerning the sacrificial system. The understanding is conveyed that sin must be atoned for with blood. We understand this as a type, shadow, and rehearsal for the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus who shed His blood once for all and sat down in completion and finality at the right hand of the Father. That is significant and important and is the lens through which this passage must be read and understood.

            Yet there remains another layer that is worth noting here. The life of the flesh is in the blood. My medical knowledge is weak and scanty at best, but a good hematologist will be able to go on and on for hours about the importance, complexity, necessity, and amazing design of blood and its function in the human body. It is absolutely essential to life and the healthier the blood the healthier the person. I have always thought that if medieval, renaissance, and enlightenment doctors understood Leviticus better that the medical practice of blood letting would never have been practiced or praised. Blood is symbolic of and needed for life. This is why the shedding of blood by another is such a terrible crime. To take a life is to destroy something that is precious to the Creator. The Bible makes it plain that with the shedding of blood, established governments are to enact that upon the murderer. It displays the value and preciousness of life and the supreme gift of God that it is. In like manner, our sin against God as humanity deserves death. But by His mercy and grace, God provided substitution.

            Does blood run through your veins? Then consider the precious gift you have of life. Consider that God has put you here to glorify Him and has a special way for you to do that. Consider that your eternal life was so precious to Him that he gave his only begotten son to condescend to become flesh and blood to shed that blood in your behalf. The life of your flesh is in your blood, but the eternal life of spirit and flesh was in His blood. If you have been bought and paid for by that life giving blood then rejoice in your rest and be glad that you live forever in Him. Consider how great God’s creation and redemption is and rejoice that you have life!

In Christ,

Pastor Basile